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Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer does not believe Liverpool will be able to keep Philippe Coutinho: When somebody wants to leave, you know it is almost impossible that he stays'

Frank de Boer turned down Barcelona once in his playing days while at Ajax — but does not believe Liverpool will be able to retain Philippe Coutinho.

The Dutchman takes Crystal Palace to Anfield on Saturday to face a Liverpool side without their star Brazilian who has tried to force through a move to the La Liga giants by handing in a transfer request.

De Boer, 47, recalls being woken at midnight during the mid-90s by Barcelona’s assistant manager Carles Rexach ringing to say: ‘Johan Cruyff wants you to play for Barcelona.’ He explained: ’I had just made an agreement with Ajax for three years more and I said: “I'm sorry but I just agreed.